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DW is reporting Iran has 1000 km anti -ship missiles and is threatening to close the Gibraltar straights .
Anyone have closed Mediterranean Sea on their WW3 Bingo card ? |
First direct att k on US forces, which means the US is entitled to respond….
Worth noting this is the first time the American DoD has admitted a US warship was the intended target of a Houthi drone/missile attack. They have studiously avoided doing so in previous attacks. https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune....85a5842674.png |
Merry Christmas from the :mad: Houti.
I think they need some airborne delivery of iron presents. |
Originally Posted by Lonewolf_50
(Post 11562171)
Merry Christmas from the :mad: Houti.
I think they need some airborne delivery of iron presents. by pass the Houti and get done with the source Iran. |
Then watch the Straits of Hormuz close tight shut to shipping.
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This afternoon in The Guardian.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards say Israel “will pay” for killing one of its commanders, Iranian state TV reports Reuters and Tasnim news agency said earlier that an airstrike killed Sayyed Razi Mousavi outside Syria’s capital, Damascus. “Undoubtedly, the usurper and savage Zionist regime will pay for this crime,” Iran’s Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) said in a statement read on Iranian state TV. Mousavi was an IRGC member responsible for coordinating the military alliance between Syria and Iran. The IRGC described him as one of their oldest advisers in Syria, holding the rank of brigadier-general. Iran’s state television reported that Mousavi had been “among those accompanying Qassem Soleimani”, the head of the Guards’ elite Quds Force, who had been killed in 2020 in a US drone attack in Iraq. |
Originally Posted by Ninthace
(Post 11562205)
Then watch the Straits of Hormuz close tight shut to shipping.
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Originally Posted by Jobza Guddun
(Post 11562223)
Maybe it's long overdue the Emiratis dug a ship canal from Dubai to Fujairah to negate the requirement to transit the Straits of Hormuz! Not the complete solution but at least it'd undermine the Iranian grip in that area.
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune....9140f0f458.jpg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune....83defa5b60.jpg |
Originally Posted by havoc
(Post 11562198)
by pass the Houti and get done with the source Iran.
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Iran must be jealous of Egypt's Suez income.
Perhaps she sees the western Indian Ocean as hers, free to lob kamikaze drones on unsuspecting shipping, and hoping to collect tolls somehow, by |
Originally Posted by Asturias56
(Post 11562358)
There are dangers in posting ideas without looking at a topo.map............... :p
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That's a lot of mountains to move for a canal - and then you have to fill it with water - unless you put it through at Sea Level
And , of course, either end is easily attacked/disrupted................................................... .. |
It certainly is, and there's enough wealth in those western Gulf nations to fund the solutions. There needs to be a long-term alternative as Iran will only get stronger and more aggressive.
Attacks/disruption - so are the Straits, but at least you move the playground 70-80 miles further away. |
Originally Posted by Asturias56
(Post 11562360)
ever noticed how the calls for ACTION on here are inversely related to the distance from the region?
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Iran is playing a dangerous game. Sooner or later one of its proxies are going to do something that can't be ignored and Iran is going to be in a position of guilt by association. It almost looks like the internal disfunction at the senior levels of the Iranian government has them sleep walking into catastrophe. Like the old saying goes, never ascribe malice to actions that can adequately be explained by mere incompetency....
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Originally Posted by Big Pistons Forever
(Post 11562543)
It almost looks like the internal disfunction at the senior levels of the Iranian government has them sleep walking into catastrophe. Like the old saying goes, never ascribe malice to actions that can adequately be explained by mere incompetency....
But fully agree - eventually something is going to go pear shaped in a big way, and the consequences will be dire. |
Originally Posted by tdracer
(Post 11562683)
Incompetency and malice are not mutually exclusive explanations.
But fully agree - eventually something is going to go pear shaped in a big way, and the consequences will be dire. Interesting times................. |
Originally Posted by Asturias56
(Post 11562817)
there was a long article in the Economist before Christmas saying the Mad Mullahs are talking big but are seriously worried. The Grand Ayatollah is old and unsteady and there's a lot of jostling as to who will replace him. Meanwhile their proxies are stirring up trouble left right and centre. interestingly a couple Iranian pronouncements on Israel/Gaza have been somewhat less incendiary than usual. They even seem to have been close to mentioning a 2 state solution. They've had some success in getting some of their oil cash paid and are in no mood to start a full on war with the USA.
Interesting times................. |
Well I've always said that Yemen is like Afghanistan - it's not a place were the normal rules have ever run - I think Iran has "influence" but no control - bit like China & NOK
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navy SH-3D / AS-61
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https://news.usni.org/2023/12/26/ind...vessel-attacks
India Vows Vengeance After Merchant Vessel Attacks New Delhi’s defense officials vowed to bring those responsible for the recent attacks on two predominantly Indian-crewed merchant vessels to justice amid the ongoing Houthi missile and drone strikes in the Red Sea and beyond. India’s assertive tone on the Red and Arabian Sea attacks comes after the attacks on MV Sai Babaand MV Chem Pluto, the latter of which was struck by a one-way attack drone only 200 nautical miles off the Indian coast. According to the Pentagon, this attack was launched from Iran instead of Yemen where the majority of ballistic missile and drone strikes have been conducted into the Red Sea since the start of the crisis that has strangled the strategic global shipping lane. However, India has yet to claim a perpetrator as it continues its investigation on the stricken Chem Pluto in Mumbai. Nonetheless, India’s Defense Minister Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh promised retribution for these attacks during the commissioning ceremony of INS Imphal (D68), the Indian Navy’s third Visakhapatnam-class destroyer. “Those who have carried out these attacks, we will find them from the bottom of the sea, and strict action will be taken against them,” said Shri Rajnath Singh. The defense minister emphasized India’s role as the “Net Security Provider in the entire Indian Ocean Region” and commitment to keeping the sea lanes open for greater regional trade in collaboration with international partners. Shri Rajnath Singh also attributed these attacks to India’s “growing economic and strategic power,” which has “filled some forces with jealousy and hatred.” Chief of the Naval Staff Adm. R Hari Kumar highlighted India’s commitment to keeping the sea lanes open. While it is not known if India is participating in U.S.-led Operation Prosperity Guardian, New Delhi has deployed a number of its assets in the Red and Arabian Seas. Kumar said since the crisis began the Indian Navy has deployed four Kolkata and Visakhapatnam destroyers to the area to counter further attacks on merchant vessels. Adm. Kumar also revealed that the Indian Navy’s American-built P-8I Poseiden and MQ-9B SeaGuardian aircraft have been deployed as well under efforts to boost surveillance. Indian Coast Guard ships and aircraft are also contributing to the efforts. |
India increasing its presence in Arabian Sea: Coast guard deploys four patrol vessels after merchant attack
The Indian Coast Guard has deployed four offshore patrol vessels equipped with advanced helicopters in the Arabian Sea following an attack on the merchant vessel MV Chem Pluto. Coast Guard patrol boats are monitoring any suspicious behaviour in the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh vowed on Tuesday to track down the perpetrators, even if they are hiding in the 'depths of the sea'. https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune....d00691fc34.png |
now this IS very interesting.......................
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The USS MASON (DDG 87) shot down one drone and one anti-ship ballistic missile in the Southern Red Sea that were fired by the Houthis between 5:45 - 6: 10 p.m. (Sanaa time) on Dec. 28.
There was no damage to any of the 18 ships in the area or reported injuries. This is the 22nd attempted attack by Houthis on international shipping since Oct. 19. |
Reports of the killing of Eleven high ranking Iranian Revolutionary Guards Leaders by the IDF in an Air Strike at the Damascus, Syria International Airport.
Seems that is a rather dangerous place for Iranian Revolutionary Guard Leaders of late. |
Originally Posted by Asturias56
(Post 11563413)
now this IS very interesting.......................
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Listened to a news article that stated that Arab countries are fed up with Iran's attitude to the West. To progress Iran needs to grow up and move forward into the 21st century and stop living in the past. To be prosperous is to be friends with the West, not foe. I'm sure Iranian people would prefer prosperity to war as indeed all countries do, well sound minded ones.
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Originally Posted by DogTailRed2
(Post 11564032)
Listened to a news article that stated that Arab countries are fed up with Iran's attitude to the West. To progress Iran needs to grow up and move forward into the 21st century and stop living in the past. To be prosperous is to be friends with the West, not foe. I'm sure Iranian people would prefer prosperity to war as indeed all countries do, well sound minded ones.
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Originally Posted by DogTailRed2
(Post 11564032)
Listened to a news article that stated that Arab countries are fed up with Iran's attitude to the West. To progress Iran needs to grow up and move forward into the 21st century and stop living in the past. To be prosperous is to be friends with the West, not foe. I'm sure Iranian people would prefer prosperity to war as indeed all countries do, well sound minded ones.
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CENTCOM:
USS GRAVELY shoots down two anti-ship ballistic missiles while responding to Houthi attack on merchant vessel. Today at approximately 8:30 p.m. (Sanaa time), the container ship MAERSK HANGZHOU reported that they were struck by a missile while transiting the Southern Red Sea. The Singapore-flagged, Denmark-owned/operated container ship requested assistance, and the USS GRAVELY (DDG 107) and USS LABOON (DDG 58) have responded to the ship. The vessel is reportedly seaworthy and there are no reported injuries. While responding, the USS GRAVELY shot down two anti-ship ballistic missiles fired from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen toward the ships. This is the 23rd illegal attack by the Houthis on international shipping since Nov. 19. It was a gamble by Maersk to run their ships through the Red Sea and the Babel Mandeb, and now the Houthi have been able to strike one of their ships - 15,226 TEU Singapore-flagged Maersk Hangzhou heading toward the Suez. It does not sound like the ship was being escorted by CMF_Bahrain & US 5th Fleet if USS Gravely and Laboon had to respond to the ship. There are about a dozen other large container ships in the area including ten Maersk and one from cmacgm and COSCOSHIPPING. https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune....a2e74bb130.png |
Advisers from Iran testing US response systems?
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Iranian-backed Houthi small boats attack merchant vessel and U.S. Navy helicopters in Southern Red Sea
On Dec. 31 at 6:30am (Sanaa time) the container ship MAERSK HANGZHOU issued a second distress call in less than 24 hours reporting being under attack by four Iranian-backed Houthi small boats. The small boats, originating from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, fired crew served and small arms weapons at the MAERSK HANGZHOU, getting to within 20 meters of the vessel, and attempted to board the vessel. A contract embarked security team on the MAERSK HANZGHOU returned fire. U.S. helicopters from the USS EISENHOWER (CVN 69) and GRAVELY (DDG 107) responded to the distress call and in the process of issuing verbal calls to the small boats, the small boats fired upon the U.S. helicopters with crew served weapons and small arms. The U.S. Navy helicopters returned fire in self-defense, sinking three of the four small boats, and killing the crews. The fourth boat fled the area. There was no damage to U.S. personnel or equipment. |
Originally Posted by dead_pan
(Post 11564633)
Well maybe these countries' respective leaderships are, but I'll wager the average person in their street is quietly pleased about Iran's stance & actions through its proxies. I reckon even your average Iranian may feel strong sympathies with the Palestinians.
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Originally Posted by ORAC
(Post 11564957)
Iranian-backed Houthi small boats attack merchant vessel and U.S. Navy helicopters in Southern Red Sea
U.S. helicopters from the USS EISENHOWER (CVN 69) and GRAVELY (DDG 107) responded to the distress call and in the process of issuing verbal calls to the small boats, the small boats fired upon the U.S. helicopters with crew served weapons and small arms. The U.S. Navy helicopters returned fire in self-defense, sinking three of the four small boats, and killing the crews. The fourth boat fled the area. There was no damage to U.S. personnel or equipment. |
Are USN Helicopters the typical door gunner configuration or do they have forward firing guns?
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Could someone here explain what is gained by these attacks?
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We saw India deploy warships to meet the #Houthi threat now there is an Indonesian naval ship entering the area - the corvette Diponegoro.
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune....f384284917.png |
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/h...acks-85mxc6gzt
UK preparing for attacks on Houthi rebels with US Britain’s military is preparing to launch a wave of air strikes against the Iranian-backed Houthis creating chaos in the Red Sea, raising the prospect of a significant spiralling of tensions in the region. Under the plans the UK would join with the US and possibly another European country to unleash a salvo of missiles against pre-planned targets, either in the sea or in Yemen itself, where the militants are based. A Whitehall source said the co-ordinated strikes could involve RAF warplanes for the first time or HMS Diamond, a Type 45 destroyer which successfully destroyed an attack drone with a Sea Viper missile in the Red Sea earlier this month. It is understood an unprecedented statement is expected to be released by the UK and the US in the coming hours which will warn the Houthis to stop attacking commercial vessels or face the military might of the West. Ahead of the statement, Grant Shapps, the defence secretary, said: “If the Houthis continue to threaten lives and trade, we will be forced to take the necessary and appropriate action.” The Whitehall source said the statement was a “last warning” and if the Houthis failed to stop the attacks, the response would likely be “limited” but “significant”. It is believed allies are currently trying to persuade other European countries to work with the US and the UK to stop the attacks amid fears there could be disastrous economic implications if shipping transiting through one of the world’s most important maritime trade routes continues to be disrupted. The source was unable to confirm which aircraft could be used in the retaliatory action under the plans, although the UK has Typhoons stationed at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, currently carrying out missions over Iraq and Syria….. |
"We saw India deploy warships to meet the #Houthi threat now there is an Indonesian naval ship entering the area - the corvette Diponegoro."
it getting really interesting - the TNI-AL haven't been seen much outside home waters - and now they're making a point - same as the Indian Navy. Presumably also gaining useful experience of a warm-ish war |
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